To link up all the banks on the MPU network, the necessary infrastructure needed was software, which MPU purchased from China. The software is now being replaced by a one developed in the US and this caused delays. The installation of the new software will now be completed in December 2017 before launching in early 2018, U Mya Than said.

One customer, who walks in wearing a long red longyi and delicately beaded top, says she was at first nervous about Wave. A clothesmaker, she now sends earnings through it twice a month at a cost of 500 kyat ($0.37) a go. She says Wave’s appeal is its “convenience”.